Topic: Do the Pillars of Islam Come From Quran?Posted By: Jazz
Subject: Do the Pillars of Islam Come From Quran?
Date Posted: 11 July 2005 at 3:47am

I am interested to find out about the "Pillars of Islam"

What are they, and where do they have their origins?

Replies: Posted By: Khadija1021
Date Posted: 11 July 2005 at 9:36am

Welcome Jazz,

The 5 Pillars of Islam get their origin directly from the Qur'an and are also discussed in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well. They are:

1. The declaration of faith (shahadah)

2. The five prescribed daily prayers (salah)

3. Fasting (sawm) during the month of Ramadan

4. Charity (zakah)

5. The pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca once in one's life-time, for those who can afford it, materially and physically.

If you would like to learn more about the 5 Pillars of Islam, you could go to the main page of IslamiCity and there you will find more information or you can go to http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html - http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html which offers excellent information to those who want to learn more about Islam.

Thank you for your sincere interest in Islam. I hope that you continue to come to IC forum and that you enjoy your time with us.

PAZ, Khadija

-------------Say: 'My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur'an, 6:162)

Posted By: Jazz
Date Posted: 12 July 2005 at 3:51am

Originally posted by Khadija1021

Welcome Jazz,

The 5 Pillars of Islam get their
origin directly from the Qur'an and are also discussed in
the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well. They are:

1. The declaration of faith (shahadah)

2. The five prescribed daily prayers (salah)

3. Fasting (sawm) during the month of Ramadan

4. Charity (zakah)

5. The pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca once in one's life-time, for those who can afford it, materially and physically.

If you would like to learn more about the 5 Pillars of Islam, you
could go to the main page of IslamiCity and there you will find more
information or you can go to http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html - http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html which offers excellent information to those who want to learn more about Islam.

Thank you for your sincere interest in Islam. I hope that you
continue to come to IC forum and that you enjoy your time with us.

PAZ, Khadija

Hi Khadija,

Thanks for the information.

Would you show me where in Quran this can be found?

Posted By: MOCKBA
Date Posted: 12 July 2005 at 4:47am

Bismillah

The Five Pillars of Islam

In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty. Only when your practice is consistent with your profession will you be a true Muslim. Faith in Allah will be your strength, and the Qur'an your guide.

The Muslim concept of worship is very broad. Muslims consider everything they do in this life according to Allah's will, an act of worship. Speaking the truth, refraining from gossip, dealing honestly in commercial affairs, treating one's parents with respect and honor, helping the poor and needy, dealing lovingly and fairly with family members - whatever is done for the sake of Allah is called worship.

Worship of Allah is foremost in a Muslim's mind all the time. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. They are often called the "Five Pillars of Islam."

Testimony of Faith (Kalima)

This is simply the declaration, "I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger." As mentioned previously, all of Islam is based on faith in the Unity of God. When one declares this statement, one testifies to the Unity of Allah, and to the message of the Prophethood. When one bears witness that Muhammad is His messenger, one is confirming that all of the prophets before him were also His messengers - Allah is One and His message is one. A person becomes a Muslim when he or she declares this statement with purity of heart and conviction of faith.

Prayer (Salat)

Formal prayer is the most important act of worship; it is mankind's connection to Allah through which one gathers strength, guidance and peace of mind. Islam prescribes five formal prayers daily, through which Muslims repeat and refresh their beliefs, taking time out of their busy day to remember Allah and renew the effort to follow His guidance. Five times each day (before dawn, noon, afternoon, after sunset, and evening) Muslims rise, cleanse with water, and present themselves directly before Allah for prayer.

Far from being a ritualistic and mindless activity, prayer constantly reminds us of the purpose of life itself, refreshes our faith, and keeps our belief in Allah alive and ever-present. We go back to our wordly affairs conscious of our duties and strengthened against sin. Prayers said in congregation bond Muslims together in love and brotherhood. Prayer also symbolizes the equality of believers; there is no hierarchy, and all stand side-by-side in rows and bow only to Allah.

Aside from the five formal prayers each day, Muslims begin and complete every activity with Allah ever-present in their minds. The words "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) precede every action, and "Alhamdilillah" (Thanks be to Allah) completes it. Muslims also make private supplications, and words in praise of Allah fall constantly off one's lips.

Fasting (Sawm)

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may learn self-restraint. Fast for a fixed number of days....Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, and clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at home during that month should spend it in fasting....Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful" (Qur'an 2:183-185).

What the prayers seek to do five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan (9th month of the lunar year) does once a year. During this month, Muslims do not eat anything nor drink even a drop of water during the daylight hours. Each and every moment during the fast, we suppress our desires and remember Allah alone. This places in us a consciousness of duty and a spirit of patience that helps strengthen faith in Allah. Discipline and hardship during this month bring us face to face with the realities of life and the suffering of so many throughout the year. The whole month is filled with increased devotion, piety, and purity of mind, soul and body.

Almsgiving (Zakat)

Every Muslim whose financial conditions are above a certain specified minimum, must pay annually at least 2.5% of his savings to a deserving needy person, a new convert to Islam, a traveler, or one overwhelmed by debts. This fosters in a Muslim the quality of sacrifice and rids one of selfishness, greed and vanity. As all wealth is a gift from Allah, one has the duty to help his needy brethren when he is able.

Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Once in a lifetime, a Muslim who is financially and physically able must go on the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the month of Hajj (12th month of the lunar year). Mecca is the spiritual center of the Muslim world. It was here that Abraham built the first house of worship (the Kaaba), towards which all Muslims stand in unity in their daily prayers. "The first House of worship appointed for men was that at Bakka (Mecca), full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds. It it are Signs manifest - the Station of Abraham - whoever enters it attains security. Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, for those who can afford the journey..." (Qur'an 3:96-97). When this house was desecrated into a center of pagan worship, it was the prophet Muhammad that cleansed it of its 300+ idols and rededicated it to the worship of Allah alone.

All pilgrims dress in pure white cloth, and are required to suppress passion, refrain from any bloodshed, and be pure in word and deed. "For Hajj are the months well-known. If any one undertakes the journey therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good you do, be sure Allah knows it. And take a provision with you for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct..." (Qur'an 2:197).

The pilgrimage is a great international conference, wherein all people, kings or peasants, black or white, stand before Allah as equals. During the ten days of the annual pilgrimage, several million Muslims from all over the world, of all nations, languages, and colors come together in the largest spiritual gathering of the world.

-------------MOCKBA

Posted By: Jazz
Date Posted: 13 July 2005 at 1:29am

Thanks Mockba,

I notice you have given references to Quran that show the origins of 2 pillars.

If it's not too much to ask, would you please give references found in Quran of the other 3 pillars.

With thanks.

Posted By: Jazz
Date Posted: 13 July 2005 at 2:25am

Dear Mockba,

Regarding the interesting information you provided,

Originally posted by MOCKBA

Mecca
is the spiritual center of the Muslim world. It was here that
Abraham built the first house of worship (the Kaaba), towards which all
Muslims stand in unity in their daily prayers. "The
first House of worship appointed for men was that at Bakka (Mecca),
full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds. It it are
Signs manifest - the Station of Abraham - whoever enters it attains
security. Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, for
those who can afford the journey..." (Qur'an
3:96-97). When this house was desecrated into a center of pagan
worship, it was the prophet Muhammad that cleansed it of its 300+ idols
and rededicated it to the worship of Allah alone.

How do you know Abraham built Kaaba?

It does not appear to state this in the quote you gave.

Is there another mention in the Quran that states that it was built by Abraham?

And your Allah is One Allah. there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (Quran 2:163)

Prayer(salat) and Almsgiving(zakat)

Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Quran 2:277)

Ibrahim(may Allah be pleased with him)

And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. (Quran 2:127)

As far as the information you have referred to in your link is concerned - it is undoubtedly falsification, to say the least. It's puzzling that of all references you could find on Kaaba you picked the one that is most untrue.

-------------MOCKBA

Posted By: Khadija1021
Date Posted: 13 July 2005 at 6:45pm

Jazz,

Everything in red type is a quote from the Qur’an regarding what you asked about 5 Pillars of Islam.

Men and women who are Muslims, men and women who are believers, men and women who are obedient, men and women who are truthful, men and women who are steadfast, men and women who are humble, men and women who give charity, men and women who fast, men and women who guard their chastity, men and women who remember Allah much: Allah has prepared forgiveness for them and an immense reward. (33:35)

1.Shahadah:“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

(Allah said,) 'I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and perform prayer to remember Me.' (20:14)

Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous. There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm hand hold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (2:255-256)

Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is Aware of all things.(33:40)

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)

2.Salat (praying):If you read the following ayat, I believe you will find all 5 obligatory prays.

And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and 'Asr prayers]. (33:42) (Fajr is the 1st, Asr is the 3rd)

Safeguard the prayer-especially the middle one. Stand in obedience to Allah. (2:238) (Dhuhr the 2nd obligatory prayer is actually the prayer that is performed in the middle of the day)

Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for people who pay heed. (11:114)(Maghrib is the 4th prayer and the one that is at the end of the day, and Isha, the 5th prayer, is the prayer that is at the first part of the night)

3.Sawm (fasting):MOCKBA’s has a direct quote from the Qur’an.

You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you-so that hopefully you will guard against evil-for a specified number of days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days. For those who can (scarcely) afford it, making up for it means feeding a poor man. And if someone does good of his own accord, it is better for him. But that you should fast is better for you, if you only knew. (2:183-184)

The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance for mankind, with Clear Signs containing guidance and discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty for you. You should complete the number of days and proclaim Allah's greatness for the guidance He has given you so that hopefully you will be thankful. (2:185)

4.Zakat (Charity):There are many ayat which command Muslims to give Zakat.I have listed a few below.

Perform prayer and give the alms and bow with those who bow. (2:43)

Perform prayer and give the alms. Any good you send ahead for yourselves, you will find with Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (2:110)

The mosques of Allah should only be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely to be guided. (9:18)

(Believers are) those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give the alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (22:41)

5.Hajj (pilgrimage):

Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make whatever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who cannot, there is three days' fast on pilgrimage and seven on your return-that is ten in all. That is for anyone whose family does not live near the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. (2:196)

PAZ, Khadija

-------------Say: 'My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur'an, 6:162)

Posted By: Jazz
Date Posted: 14 July 2005 at 2:23am

Originally posted by Khadija1021

Jazz,

Everything in red type is a quote from the Qur’an regarding what you asked about 5 Pillars of Islam.

Men
and women who are Muslims, men and women who are believers, men and
women who are obedient, men and women who are truthful, men and women
who are steadfast, men and women who are humble, men and women who give
charity, men and women who fast, men and women who guard their
chastity, men and women who remember Allah much: Allah has prepared
forgiveness for them and an immense reward. (33:35)

1.Shahadah:“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

(Allah said,) 'I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and perform prayer to remember Me.' (20:14)

Allah!
There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor
sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens
and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him
save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that
which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge
save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and
He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the
Tremendous. There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is
henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and
believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm hand hold which will never
break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (2:255-256)

Muhammad
is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of
Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is Aware of all things.(33:40)

You
have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put
their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)

Thanks Khadija,
This certainly clarifies the declaration of faith.

Originally posted by Khadija

2.Salat (praying):If you read the following ayat, I believe you will find all 5 obligatory prays.

And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and 'Asr prayers]. (33:42) (Fajr is the 1st, Asr is the 3rd)

Safeguard the prayer-especially the middle one. Stand in obedience to Allah. (2:238) (Dhuhr the 2nd obligatory prayer is actually the prayer that is performed in the middle of the day)

Perform
prayer at each end of the day and in the first part of the night. Good
actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for people who pay
heed. (11:114)(Maghrib is the 4th prayer and the one that is at the end of the day, and Isha, the 5th prayer, is the prayer that is at the first part of the night)

According to Muslim Student's Association 33:42 states,

Yusuf Ali: "And Glorify Him Morning and evening"
Pickthal: "And glorify Him early and late"
Shakir: "And glorify Him morning and evening"

Where do you get the part in parenthesis from?

Where do you get "fajr" and "'asr" from?

How do you know that "morning and evening" strictly means only one prayer in morning and one prayer in the evening?

It could be a multiplicity of prayers and prayer-times on each occasion.

Where do you get the limitation of only one prayer on each occasion from?

Regarding 2:238

Muslim Students Association translations basically are the same as the translation you have posted.

Regarding 11:114

According to Muslim Students' Association translation of 11:114

Yusuf Ali: "And establish regular
prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night:
For those things, that are good remove those that are evil. Be that the
word of rememberance to those who remember."

Pickthal: "Establish worship at the two
ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! good deeds annul
ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful."

Shakir: "And keep up prayer in the two
parts of the day and in the first hours of the night; surely good deeds
take away evil deeds this is a reminder to the mindful."

Khadija, this could also mean a multiplicity of prayers and prayer-times in excess of five times and five prayers.

Originally posted by Khadija

3.Sawm (fasting):MOCKBA’s has a direct quote from the Qur’an.

You
who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for
those before you-so that hopefully you will guard against evil-for a
specified number of days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey
should fast a number of other days. For those who can (scarcely) afford
it, making up for it means feeding a poor man. And if someone does good
of his own accord, it is better for him. But that you should fast is
better for you, if you only knew. (2:183-184)

The
month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down as
guidance for mankind, with Clear Signs containing guidance and
discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast
it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of
other days. Allah desires ease for you; He does not desire difficulty
for you. You should complete the number of days and proclaim Allah's
greatness for the guidance He has given you so that hopefully you will
be thankful. (2:185)

Khadija, Thank you, these translations do clarify the call to fast for one month.

Originally posted by Khadija

4.Zakat (Charity):There are many ayat which command Muslims to give Zakat.I have listed a few below.

Perform prayer and give the alms and bow with those who bow. (2:43)

Perform
prayer and give the alms. Any good you send ahead for yourselves, you
will find with Allah. Certainly Allah sees what you do. (2:110)

The
mosques of Allah should only be maintained by those who believe in
Allah and the Last Day and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear
no one but Allah. They are the ones most likely to be guided. (9:18)

(Believers
are) those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform
prayer and give the alms, and command what is right and forbid what is
wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (22:41)

Thanks again Khadija, this too clarifies the case for giving to charity.

Originally posted by Khadija

5.Hajj (pilgrimage):

Perform
the pilgrimage and the pious visit for Allah. If you are forcibly
prevented, make whatever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your
heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the place of sacrifice.
If any of you are ill or have a head injury, the expiation is fasting
or charity or sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And if you
are secure, then he who takes advantage of a pious visit before the
pilgrimage should make whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who
cannot, there is three days' fast on pilgrimage and seven on your
return-that is ten in all. That is for anyone whose family does not
live near the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of Allah and
know that Allah is fierce in retribution. (2:196)

PAZ, Khadija

Thanks for your efforts dear Khadija.

I can find no reference to the Sacred Mosque in Muslim Students'
Association translations of 2:196 that mentions Masjid al-Haram as the
place to perform Hajj.

Where did you get the information that leads you to conclude that it Masjid al-Haram is in fact the Sacred Mosque?

I also have some questions about the rituals that are performed at the Hajj, which include:-
Where is reference to the kissing of the black rock to be found in Quran?
Where is reference to circumambulate (spelling?) the Kaaba seven times to be found in Quran?
Where is reference to doing Hajj only once in one's lifetime to be found in Quran?
---------------------------------------------------

As an aside, is there some way that one can cut and paste into the text-pane during forum-discussion?
It is extremely time consuming to have to type in relevant quotes.

Posted By: Yusuf.
Date Posted: 15 July 2005 at 2:35pm

While all the pillars are referred to in the Holy Qur'an, the specific reference to them as pillars comes from the Ahaadith. There are numerous references, but here is one:

Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0018:

It is narrated on the authority of ('Abdullah) son of Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Holy Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him) said: (The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), i. e. the oneness of Allah, the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, the, fast of Ramadan, Pilgrimage (to Mecca).

Likewise, the timings of the five canonical prayers and the specifics of the rituals of Hajj are to be found in the Ahaadith, not the Holy Qur'an.

-------------Yusuf

Posted By: Deus
Date Posted: 15 July 2005 at 4:12pm

Originally posted by Jazz

Where is reference to the kissing of the black rock to be found in Quran?Where is reference to doing Hajj only once in one's lifetime to be found in Quran?

I'm only commenting on the questions, not answering them. Kissing the black rock? This is not part of any ritual. You can do it if you like to.Hajj only once in a lifetime? Do it as many times as you can afford.

Posted By: Jazz
Date Posted: 15 July 2005 at 11:43pm

Originally posted by Deus

Originally posted by Jazz

Where is reference to the kissing of the black rock to be found in Quran?Where is reference to doing Hajj only once in one's lifetime to be found in Quran?

I'm only commenting on the questions, not answering them. Kissing the black rock? This is not part of any ritual. You can do it if you like to.Hajj only once in a lifetime? Do it as many times as you can afford.

Hi Deus,

Kissing of the black rock is performed as a ritual, my question was not
intended to suggest it to be obligatory, but is it to be found in Quran?
If not, then why is this ritual practiced.
To clarify my question about Hajj..........I worded my question incorrectly..........it should say.......
Where is a reference to be found in Quran for muslims to do Hajj at least once in a lifetime?

Posted By: Khadija1021
Date Posted: 16 July 2005 at 2:10pm

Originally posted by Jazz

Originally posted by Khadija

2. Salat (praying): If you read the following ayat, I believe you will find all 5 obligatory prays.

And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and 'Asr prayers]. (33:42) (Fajr is the 1st, Asr is the 3rd)

Safeguard the prayer-especially the middle one. Stand in obedience to Allah. (2:238) (Dhuhr the 2nd obligatory prayer is actually the prayer that is performed in the middle of the day)

Perform prayer at each end of the day and in the first part of the night. Good actions eradicate bad actions. This is a reminder for people who pay heed. (11:114) (Maghrib is the 4th prayer and the one that is at the end of the day, and Isha, the 5th prayer, is the prayer that is at the first part of the night)

According to Muslim Student's Association 33:42 states,

Yusuf Ali: "And Glorify Him Morning and evening"Pickthal: "And glorify Him early and late"Shakir: "And glorify Him morning and evening"

Where do you get the part in parenthesis from?

Where do you get "fajr" and "'asr" from?

How do you know that "morning and evening" strictly means only one prayer in morning and one prayer in the evening?

It could be a multiplicity of prayers and prayer-times on each occasion.

Where do you get the limitation of only one prayer on each occasion from?

Regarding 2:238

Muslim Students Association translations basically are the same as the translation you have posted.

Regarding 11:114

According to Muslim Students' Association translation of 11:114

Yusuf Ali: "And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: For those things, that are good remove those that are evil. Be that the word of rememberance to those who remember."

Pickthal: "Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! good deeds annul ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful."

Shakir: "And keep up prayer in the two parts of the day and in the first hours of the night; surely good deeds take away evil deeds this is a reminder to the mindful."

Khadija, this could also mean a multiplicity of prayers and prayer-times in excess of five times and five prayers.

Jazz, Everything that was not in red in my posts to you are my own thoughts.I typed the information regarding the prayer after the ayat to point out the obligatory prayers.If you look up Hadith 500 of Sahih Bukhari collection of the Sunnah, you will see that the Angel Gabriel showed the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) how and when to do the obligatory prayers.They are the 5 which I pointed out.These are the obligatory prayers; however, Muslims can pray at other times and are encouraged to do so.What they cannot do is add to the 5 obligatory prayers and call those added prayers obligatory.That would be making innovation to the Qur’an and Sunnah which is haraam.

Originally posted by Jazz

Originally posted by Khadija

5. Hajj (pilgrimage):

Perform the pilgrimage and the pious visit for Allah. If you are forcibly prevented, make whatever sacrifice is feasible. But do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached the place of sacrifice. If any of you are ill or have a head injury, the expiation is fasting or charity or sacrifice when you are safe and well again. And if you are secure, then he who takes advantage of a pious visit before the pilgrimage should make whatever sacrifice is feasible. For any one who cannot, there is three days' fast on pilgrimage and seven on your return-that is ten in all. That is for anyone whose family does not live near the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). Have fear of Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution. (2:196)

Thanks for your efforts dear Khadija.

I can find no reference to the Sacred Mosque in Muslim Students' Association translations of 2:196 that mentions Masjid al-Haram as the place to perform Hajj.

Where did you get the information that leads you to conclude that it Masjid al-Haram is in fact the Sacred Mosque?

Jazz, the following ayat should clear up your question regarding the Kaaba being the “Sacred House”.

Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a special institution for mankind, and also the sacred months and the sacrificial animals and the ritual garlands. That is so you will know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and in the earth and that Allah has knowledge of all things. (5:97)

Originally posted by Jazz

I also have some questions about the rituals that are performed at the Hajj, which include:-Where is reference to the kissing of the black rock to be found in Quran?Where is reference to circumambulate (spelling?) the Kaaba seven times to be found in Quran?Where is reference to doing Hajj only once in one's lifetime to be found in Quran?

Jazz, below are a couple of ayat that speaks of the duty of doing Hajj.Doing Hajj is obligatory; however, you are wrong in assuming that a person can only do it once. Who said that a person can only do it once? It is obligatory to do it at least once in a lifetime unless the person is physically of monetarily unable to do so.Allah is most merciful.

The pilgrimage takes place during certain well-known months. If anyone undertakes the obligation of pilgrimage in them, there must be no sexual intercourse, no wrongdoing, nor any quarrelling during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah knows it. Take provision; but the best provision is fear of Allah. So have fear of Me, people of intelligence! (2:197)

In it are Clear Signs-the place where Ibrahim stood (to pray). All who enter it are safe. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all mankind-those who can find a way to do it. But if anyone disbelieves, Allah is Rich Beyond Need of any being. (3:97)

You who believe! Do not kill game while you are in the state of pilgrimage. If one of you kills any deliberately, the reprisal for it is a livestock animal equivalent to what he killed, as judged by two just men among you, a sacrifice to reach the Kaaba, or expiation by feeding the poor, or fasting commensurate with that, so that he may taste the evil consequences of what he did. Allah has pardoned all that took place in the past; but if anyone does it again Allah will take revenge on him. Allah is Almighty, Exactor of Revenge. (5:95)

Announce the Pilgrimage to mankind. They will come to you on foot and on every sort of lean animal, coming by every distant road.(22:27)

And here is a ayat which indicates that circumambulating the Kaaba is part of the ritual of Hajj.Also there are many hadiths which refer to this practice which is called “Tawaf” (see Hadith 673 and 750 of Shahi Bukhari’s collection).

And We located the position of the House for Ibrahim: 'Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who circle it, and those who stand and bow and prostrate.' (22:26)

If you look up the Hadith I just mentioned, 673, you will see a reference to the black stone and the kissing of it as well.However, I have not been able to find a reference to the black stone in the Qur’an.If you are wondering why Muslims would do this without a reference to it in the Qur’an, you should keep the following ayat in mine.

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (33:21)

PAZ, Khadija

-------------Say: 'My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds. (Qur'an, 6:162)